Sharp Stylings #10: Raphael Saadiq

We can learn so much from yesterday’s fashion icons.  And living in a post-Mad Men world means we can even enjoy aspects of current male fashions! Every Friday, I’d like to start your weekend off right with a little style inspiration from either then or now. Hopefully, my fellow Mod enthusiasts will find the whole or some detail of the whole to appreciate and maybe even adopt.

I love Oakland, CA. Great neighborhoods, great walking routes, great restaurants, great bars, great shopping, and, oh yeah, great style! Don't believe me? Well, take a look at one of Oakland's most stylish sons: Raphael Saadiq!

Raphael Saadiq first made his mark as one of the lead singers of 1990s R&B band, Tony! Toni! Toné! In a time when modern R&B sucked out loud (and still does, really), they had a fantastic little song called "If I Had No Loot" that I dug then and dig still.

But Saadiq has hit the scene hard in recent years with his Motown-style brand of soul music that has been utterly incredible! I'm not much of a music writer, so I'll stop now, but if you haven't yet please track down his The Way I See It album and the new Stone Rollin'.

Today, I just want you to focus on his '60s-inspired sharp, clean look. There he is above, rockin' a dashing mustard suit with slim pants and a thin tie. But what's most incredible about this shot are THOSE CUFFLINKS! Bold, large, gaudy wrap-arounds with a jewel in the center... my absolute favorite style of cufflinks! With cufflinks like that on, I'd be checking my watch every 5 minutes just to get another glimpse at them.

Seriously, Raphael Saadiq is, hands down, one of the most stylin' dudes around on the current music scene. And if you haven't seen the guy in action yet, well, treat your eyes and ears to this:

Oakland represent!

[PLEASE NOTE: For the next two weeks, the Mod Male offices will be closed for vacation. Posts are still scheduled to go up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday so please continue to check in. The Mod Male Facebook page will be quiet, however, so if you see a post you like, please share with your friends since we won't be able to. Thank you and have a great next couple of weeks!]